Test Bench for Shootout: Three Mid-Price A/V Receivers Page 3

Yamaha RX-V2600

DOLBY DIGITAL PERFORMANCE All data were obtained from various test DVDs using 16-bit dithered test signals, which set limits on measured distortion and noise performance. Reference input level is -20 dBFS, and reference output is 1 watt into 8 ohms. Volume setting for reference level was -7. All level trims were at zero, except for subwoofer-related tests; all speakers were set to "large," subwoofer on. All are worst-case figures where applicable.

The Yamaha RX-V2600 delivered near-benchmark performance on every test, and literal benchmarks for linearity (0 error at -90 dB) and PCM signal-to-noise, which measured -75.7, the theoretical ideal for our dithered-silence test. Power was impressive for just about any common real-world speaker load, including all-channels power. The receiver shut down when confronted with high-output/low-impedance stresses with its impedance switch set to "6 Ohms," but did fine on the same loads with the switch "mis-set" to the 8-ohm position.